Showing posts with label Designer Jewellery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Designer Jewellery. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Dressing with accessories
Ideas for accessorizing with my designer jewellery...
Often, customers come to me with an outfit and ask my advice on what accessories will match.
So I was thinking about doing a regular feature to help freshen up some simple outfits.
My ideas will not only show just how versatile a good statement piece of jewellery can actually be, but how to polish off an outfit, rather than just finish one.
For instance, here is a Custo (Barcelona) tank which is one of my favourite designers and i've chosen to add the long LA Pebble earrings in Dyed Pink Chalcedony & Orange Carnelian which gives it a really playful, yet chic style.
Or how about adding a dash of colour to a simple white dress, like this one from Monsoon, which can be worn day or night.
With more styles to come, please do tune into my regular blogs on dressing with my contemporary designer jewellery.
Often, customers come to me with an outfit and ask my advice on what accessories will match.
So I was thinking about doing a regular feature to help freshen up some simple outfits.
My ideas will not only show just how versatile a good statement piece of jewellery can actually be, but how to polish off an outfit, rather than just finish one.
For instance, here is a Custo (Barcelona) tank which is one of my favourite designers and i've chosen to add the long LA Pebble earrings in Dyed Pink Chalcedony & Orange Carnelian which gives it a really playful, yet chic style.
Or how about adding a dash of colour to a simple white dress, like this one from Monsoon, which can be worn day or night.With more styles to come, please do tune into my regular blogs on dressing with my contemporary designer jewellery.
Contemporary Designer Jewellery
Sunday, 16 March 2008
For Designer Jewellery Enthusiasts
At last, I've managed to sit myself down and find out about this blogging lark....My first priority was to sort the website out to show my life's work, then update it with all the usual trimmings, so now it's only fair I give my customers, stockists, friends and foe an insider's guide, without the umbrella-in-hand loud speaker, about my work and perhaps some snippets of my family life.
Let's start with the low-down. I am a creative! And sometimes I am so far out of the box, I need Scotti to beam be back. Being creative comes with it's blessings & curses. As is always the case, where there is creation, so follows comments, good and bad. The mountain top highs, like when a retailer agrees to stock my jewellery, and deepest depths of the ocean lows, like every door that slams in my face. Creatives are generally dreamers, which i am, but equally as a business person, one has to be so down-to-earth, I spend my days digging. Like when a supplier misses a deadline it's not just devastating to my business but my psyche takes a blow too.
Then there is the financial burden setting up business weighs heavily and this has caused more stress than I ever imagined. Though I don't do money well, I leave that to the accountant, AKA my husband. At least, I don't let it rule my life or my thoughts. I believe what goes around will eventually come back around, so I try not to make decisions based on making money, because I have always only ever been in this journey to feed my creative juices, hand-on-heart truth.
On this journey, I am constantly surprised at how versatile I have become. I drive my husband crazy with my sometimes hair brain ideas and thoughts. I want to make everything I see better and I can't switch it off, well except with a goldfish-bowl glass of sparkling wine..
So I decided to focus my energy into creating jewellery and with over 400 designs under my belt, I have far exceeded my own expectations as a designer. Now, I want to use this blog to try and portray an honest account of my life as a Designer. I am, however, NOT a writer, so I apologise now for any mistakes.
These are real accounts, and I promise I will try not to hurt any humans or animals in the making of my life's blog.
Design is my passion and I have always held top designers with the highest regard. Albert Einstein once said "imagination is more important than knowledge" and this philophy is key in my creative exploration. Yet I see some designers commanding extortionate rates with little regard for quality and this is just another notch in the design world which spurs me forward. I want to produce quality, to be proud of my work and I want to be the best I can, not matter how far I rise or indeed fall.
The history thus far? I found my way into jewellery making because: firstly, ever since I can remember I have had an allergy to base metals so I can't wear anything that is cheap, i.e "accessories". The green stain around the neck is not attactive! Secondly, traditional precious metal jewellery were usually limited in design and certainly not fashion-led. High-fashion, high quality jewellery were usually out of my price range and only for the rich and richer. And finally the catalyst, when I attended a jewellery party, I couldn't believe this so-called "artisan" was flogging such trash both in quality and design and I decided there and then, I could do better. It was then I decided to find out about studying the craft of jewellery making.
I signed myself up for various courses here and abroad and quickly skimmed through wanting more. I constantly experimented with designs and carefully studied all the work I could lay my eyes on, but then I have always surveyed the artistic worlds and catwalk design. During my studies, most notably Central St Martins, I realised that I didn't actually want to be a Silversmith, as Ii enjoyed wire working far more.
So I started sourcing and finding out what I could get my mitts on to make jewellery that I would be proud to wear. After months of careful sourcing, I started to realise that if I could bulk buy, I could get my hands on gemstones and Sterling Silver, even Gold if I wanted. Of course this required a significate amount of investment, but I just couldn't help myself. The gems were calling me with their luminous fires of light and I just had to answer. Luckily my friends supported my work and would ask me to "whip something up" for a special occassion to match their outfit, and well that was just the start of a very fruitful relationship with my tools and wire.
So here I find myself with my own label, real stockists and a fully functional website. But I have never been one to do anything by halves. I always seem to throw myself head first into the deep end, whether it be trying to order the best materials my budget can buy, pie-in-the-sky ideas for trade fairs or carefully fine tuning my wiring techniques with uber fine crafters in India that produce incredible works for royalty.
Now it's not just small gemstones I create my jewellery with, there are huge ones too and in all the colours of the rainbow. I have recently introduced Coloured Diamonds, and have always enjoyed the lustre of Cultured Pearls, the sparkle from Swarvoski Crystals, Venetian/Murano Glass, unusual Shells, exotic Corals, and much much more, all ethically sourced from around the world.
Whilst on the topic of ethics, as my integrity is part of my brand, no doubt there will be a blog to follow, as I have my own ideas on how to save the world, one glittering gemstone at a time.
No doubt this is just the beginning, as there is no stopping my imagination nor my desire to succeed. My true ethos is based on providing limited edition quality fashionable jewellery that is reasonably priced. The old clique couldn't hold more truth with my brand by guaranteeing; "you get what you pay for", no more and certainly no less. By sticking with this simple rule, I hope to stay in the game for as long as my customers buy from me.
During my new blogging escapades, or shall I call them blogscapades, I hope to enthrall my readers and customers alike with various buying trips and experiences, so you get a glimpse at the very weird and wacky world of a designer/maker.
So do remember to check in from time to time, when I will try to keep you abreast of my warp-speed life, including any news, events, collection launches and much, much more.
Many thanx for all your support. Enjoy!
Melinda xx
The jewellery featured in this article:
Top, apricot coloured bracelet is from my V07 Collection, featuring Murano Gold Filled Glass Heart, Cultured Pearl & Swarovski Crystal on Sterling Silver Chain.
Middle, Pink Amethyst Broilettes with cluster of tiny Cultured Pearls, Moonstones & Swarovski Crystals on fancy post earrings from my new Bridal Collection
Monday, 10 December 2007
Magazine Feature
Melinda's contemporary designer jewellery regularly receives features in the Welsh national press and for one lucky glossy, decided to do a give-away (which is a very rare treat indeed).
Hilary Ferda, the Editor of Ladies First magazine, December 2007 wrote:
"With short courses at the infamous Central St Martins under her belt, Melinda's contemporary designer jewellery seamlessly bridges the gap between costume and fashion. Fusing her colourful Australian routes with her newly adopted Welsh Heritage, Melinda is influenced by worldly cultures and often commissions exotic items that evoke images of far-flung places. From the specially cut everlasting Shell to the sought after sleeping Beauty Turquoise from Arizona, and her latest edition of Black and Coloured Diamonds, all pieces are cut to her specification. Each piece is then hand crafted by Melinda in her South Wales Studio and finished with a branded authenticity charm. With beautiful designer packaging thrown into the mix, these treasure make for beautifully bespoke gifts at www.melindamulcahy.com"
Contemporary Designer Jewellery
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Magazine Feature
WM Editor, Summer 2007 wrote about my contemporary designer jewellery:
"joyful jewels
IF YOU HAVEN'T DISCOVERED THE HANDMADE DESIGNER JEWELLERY OF MELINDA MULCAHY YET, YOU'RE IN FOR A REAL TREAT....
Fans of exquisite, modern and handmade contemporary designer jewellery will love the work of Melinda Mulcahy. Working out of her South Wales Studio, Melinda fuses her own Australian and Welsh heritage together to influence her work: the result is clever, beautiful and vibrant designer jewellery that you'll want to wear, give, keep and treasure.
Melinda's a die hard traveller, and her adventures around the world are reflected in her unusual, delicate, feminine pieces. She blends semi-precious gemstones with pearls, shells, corals and Venetian handblown glass, all finished on Sterling Silver, often with just a hint of sparkle from Swarovski Crystal. The result is a collection of striking necklaces, bracelets and earrings: each boasting originality and quality.
There is something for every taste, occasion and budget too, with more than 12 collections and a newly-launched Bridal Collection. Each ranged is based on, and inspired by, a city that Melinda has visited: Sydney to Venice, to Tahiti and Cannes. Now you can adorn yourself in unique pieces that evoke the feeling of far-flung places.
Melinda's trademark creations take full advantage of often exotic and rare materials, such as Chalcedony and Labradorite, feature carefully sourced and unusual cuts of stones and shell. Such a diverse selection of materials carefully handcrafted ensures that each piece is a limited edition, and carries the finishing touch of a silver authenticity charm, care instructions and designer packaging.
With a recently launched website where you can purchase online and more than 20 stockists across the UK, Melinda Mulcahy is undoubtebly making her mark in fashionable jewellery and is definitely one to watch.
"joyful jewels
IF YOU HAVEN'T DISCOVERED THE HANDMADE DESIGNER JEWELLERY OF MELINDA MULCAHY YET, YOU'RE IN FOR A REAL TREAT....
Fans of exquisite, modern and handmade contemporary designer jewellery will love the work of Melinda Mulcahy. Working out of her South Wales Studio, Melinda fuses her own Australian and Welsh heritage together to influence her work: the result is clever, beautiful and vibrant designer jewellery that you'll want to wear, give, keep and treasure.
Melinda's a die hard traveller, and her adventures around the world are reflected in her unusual, delicate, feminine pieces. She blends semi-precious gemstones with pearls, shells, corals and Venetian handblown glass, all finished on Sterling Silver, often with just a hint of sparkle from Swarovski Crystal. The result is a collection of striking necklaces, bracelets and earrings: each boasting originality and quality.
There is something for every taste, occasion and budget too, with more than 12 collections and a newly-launched Bridal Collection. Each ranged is based on, and inspired by, a city that Melinda has visited: Sydney to Venice, to Tahiti and Cannes. Now you can adorn yourself in unique pieces that evoke the feeling of far-flung places.
Melinda's trademark creations take full advantage of often exotic and rare materials, such as Chalcedony and Labradorite, feature carefully sourced and unusual cuts of stones and shell. Such a diverse selection of materials carefully handcrafted ensures that each piece is a limited edition, and carries the finishing touch of a silver authenticity charm, care instructions and designer packaging.
With a recently launched website where you can purchase online and more than 20 stockists across the UK, Melinda Mulcahy is undoubtebly making her mark in fashionable jewellery and is definitely one to watch.
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Designer Jewellery
Introducing Contemporary Designer Jewellery by Melinda Mulcahy...
As a keen surveyor of quality, art, design and fashion, I have become increasingly obsessed about creating the best possible contemporary designer jewellery since I first studied it in 2003. My ethos is based on designing and handcrafting stunning designer jewellery that is showstopping, unforgettable, colourful, wearable yet affordable.
My range of contemporary designer jewellery blends quality materials including an amazing array of Gemstones, Cultured Pearls, Corals, Shells, Murano Glass, Swarovski Crystals predominately finished on Sterling Silver, but occasionally toying with Yellow Gold.
As a contemporary jewellery designer, I believe accessorizing is the most effective way of adding a polished finish to an outfit and precious metal designer jewellery always yields longevity. An editor once quoted about my jewellery: "Melinda creates clever, beautiful and vibrant jewellery that you'll want to wear, give, keep and treasure" (WM Summer 2007) and these elements are key in every jewellery piece I handcraft.
My driving passion is to produce the best possible quality contemporary designer jewellery, and I strive to craft each piece with precision workmanship to compliment the quality of materials used. I firmly believe you get what you pay for, and by stretching your budget a little further for my precious designer jewellery, priced slightly above mass produced base metal brands, you will be pleasantly surprised to be able to cherish something that will stand the test of time.
With emphasis on colour when designing, I believe this plays as much an integral part as shape does to a design and this has become my trademark in my designer jewellery creations. Furthermore, so as not to limit wear-ability, I mix complimentary and unusual colour combinations so that the jewellery becomes so much more versatile and ultimately more wearable too.
I truly believe great contemporary designer jewellery will make the wearer feel special and my designer jewellery practically guarantees to make you sparkle with confidence! You can hold your head high when sporting a statement piece that is special, unique and a limited edition, unlike an average high street brand.
For those with a conscience..... As a society keen to conserve our beautiful planet, by purchasing a piece of my designer jewellery, as opposed to throw-away base metal pieces that fall apart as soon as you look at them, you are in fact conserving our environment more efficiently! In addition, whilst I may be using natural resources, the production of which is highly scrutinized and monitored, they produce far less pollutants, can be recycled and is ultimately revered and respected by purchasers.
The new website boasts over 200 stunning original contemporary designer jewellery pieces broken down into collections including: New Season's, best sellers under the Gift Ideas, Bridal, Special Editions which include sort after Tourmaline, along with the latest London trend, Coloured Diamonds. Prices start from £12 for pearl & crystal earrings, £30 for bracelets, £36 for necklaces and £45 for coloured diamond earrings, providing a piece of designer jewellery for every occasion, age, style and budget.
What the Fashion Editors says:
Voted 2nd in WM's top twelve for 06 Christmas party season jewellery.
"Kerching... a last minute Valentines gift" Western Mail Newspaper, Feb 07.
"Melinda's designer jewellery bridges the gap between costume and fashion" says Editor for Ladies First Magazine, December 07.
The Marrekech extendable ring made with WM's top ten for Cocktail Rings, Winter 07.
"L.A. Pebble earrings are THE MUST HAVE PIECE for spring" says Editor for WM magazine Spring 08.
"Melinda's latest edition to her Bridal Collection will send hearts aflutter" says Fashion Editor of Tiara magazine, Summer 08.
As a keen surveyor of quality, art, design and fashion, I have become increasingly obsessed about creating the best possible contemporary designer jewellery since I first studied it in 2003. My ethos is based on designing and handcrafting stunning designer jewellery that is showstopping, unforgettable, colourful, wearable yet affordable.
My range of contemporary designer jewellery blends quality materials including an amazing array of Gemstones, Cultured Pearls, Corals, Shells, Murano Glass, Swarovski Crystals predominately finished on Sterling Silver, but occasionally toying with Yellow Gold.
As a contemporary jewellery designer, I believe accessorizing is the most effective way of adding a polished finish to an outfit and precious metal designer jewellery always yields longevity. An editor once quoted about my jewellery: "Melinda creates clever, beautiful and vibrant jewellery that you'll want to wear, give, keep and treasure" (WM Summer 2007) and these elements are key in every jewellery piece I handcraft.
My driving passion is to produce the best possible quality contemporary designer jewellery, and I strive to craft each piece with precision workmanship to compliment the quality of materials used. I firmly believe you get what you pay for, and by stretching your budget a little further for my precious designer jewellery, priced slightly above mass produced base metal brands, you will be pleasantly surprised to be able to cherish something that will stand the test of time.
With emphasis on colour when designing, I believe this plays as much an integral part as shape does to a design and this has become my trademark in my designer jewellery creations. Furthermore, so as not to limit wear-ability, I mix complimentary and unusual colour combinations so that the jewellery becomes so much more versatile and ultimately more wearable too.
I truly believe great contemporary designer jewellery will make the wearer feel special and my designer jewellery practically guarantees to make you sparkle with confidence! You can hold your head high when sporting a statement piece that is special, unique and a limited edition, unlike an average high street brand.
For those with a conscience..... As a society keen to conserve our beautiful planet, by purchasing a piece of my designer jewellery, as opposed to throw-away base metal pieces that fall apart as soon as you look at them, you are in fact conserving our environment more efficiently! In addition, whilst I may be using natural resources, the production of which is highly scrutinized and monitored, they produce far less pollutants, can be recycled and is ultimately revered and respected by purchasers.
The new website boasts over 200 stunning original contemporary designer jewellery pieces broken down into collections including: New Season's, best sellers under the Gift Ideas, Bridal, Special Editions which include sort after Tourmaline, along with the latest London trend, Coloured Diamonds. Prices start from £12 for pearl & crystal earrings, £30 for bracelets, £36 for necklaces and £45 for coloured diamond earrings, providing a piece of designer jewellery for every occasion, age, style and budget.
What the Fashion Editors says:
Voted 2nd in WM's top twelve for 06 Christmas party season jewellery.
"Kerching... a last minute Valentines gift" Western Mail Newspaper, Feb 07.
"Melinda's designer jewellery bridges the gap between costume and fashion" says Editor for Ladies First Magazine, December 07.
The Marrekech extendable ring made with WM's top ten for Cocktail Rings, Winter 07.
"L.A. Pebble earrings are THE MUST HAVE PIECE for spring" says Editor for WM magazine Spring 08.
"Melinda's latest edition to her Bridal Collection will send hearts aflutter" says Fashion Editor of Tiara magazine, Summer 08.
Monday, 27 August 2007
Designer Jewellery
Designer Jewellery
Welcome to my blog of "Contemporary Designer Jewellery" handcrafted in Wales, UK.
Follow my work from initial inspirations, sourcing products to handcrafting finished quality designer jewellery pieces. Chart my progress as a designer/maker and business owner as I build a new label in the cut-throat precious designer jewellery and fashion industries. Ouch!
Be the first to read what's on the horizon by subscribing to my blog where you will receive regular updates about my designer jewellery including topical subjects like intreging gemstones, what makes a beautiful pearl, buying trips and industry secrets, my artistic influences, along with NEWS of special releases on limited editions, offers and new product lines....
Welcome to my blog of "Contemporary Designer Jewellery" handcrafted in Wales, UK.
Follow my work from initial inspirations, sourcing products to handcrafting finished quality designer jewellery pieces. Chart my progress as a designer/maker and business owner as I build a new label in the cut-throat precious designer jewellery and fashion industries. Ouch!
Be the first to read what's on the horizon by subscribing to my blog where you will receive regular updates about my designer jewellery including topical subjects like intreging gemstones, what makes a beautiful pearl, buying trips and industry secrets, my artistic influences, along with NEWS of special releases on limited editions, offers and new product lines....
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